The Rewards of Awards

By Stephanie Bearce

What is one of the best ways to get your book into the hands of LOTS of young readers? Get your book nominated for one of the State reading awards.
Children's choice award programs are held each year and in every state in the nation. Books that are selected for the nomination list are purchased by every school and public library and read by thousands of children who then vote for their favorite. It's an incredible honor to win, but just being a nominee is a boost every writer would love.

So how do you get your book on one of these magical lists? Nominations are taken for several months before the list is decided. Some states allow authors or publishers to nominate books. Others only allow teachers and librarians. Authors, this is NOT the time to be shy. If you want your book on the list - ask teacher and librarian friends to nominate you. The first step is getting your book in front of the selection committee. The rest will be up to the readers.

There is no guarantee that your book will be showered in awards, but you can't win if you don't try. And the rewards of having an award-winning book are rich indeed. Not only will your agent and family cheer, but your publisher will also love the increase in sales and publicity. Awards can help you get that next book deal.

I've found a great list of State Awards hosted by Bound to Stay Bound.
​This resource lists all of the awards by state and age level. Simply go to the site and check to see what the nomination criteria are for your type of book. Make sure you check the date and subject requirements. 
Other sites where you can learn about state book awards are:
Vanderbilt University
Overdrive - National and State Awards
Reading levels and reading lists - Minnesota State University
And good luck! I hope to see your books on many state reading lists!

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